Overview
In Spring 2022, SOUL was asked by the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association, Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Association and Lower 9th Ward Economic Development District to bring trees to their neighborhood. After additional requests from Lower 9th Ward residents and following SOUL’s Neighborhood Selection Process, SOUL committed to proceeding with outreach to the Lower 9th Ward community to obtain necessary resident buy-in before moving forward with a community-wide tree planting initiative.
Purpose Of This Project
The purpose of a community-wide tree planting is to absorb stormwater and decrease street flooding, slow subsidence (land sinking), lower air temperatures and energy bills, clean our air, water, and soil, slow wind speeds during storm events, while also beautifying the community. Additionally, Lower 9 community members have stated they anticipate trees in the right-of-way will reduce illegal dumping and make sidewalks more usable. The ultimate goal of this project is to plant a tree in the right-of-way (space between the sidewalk and street) of every property that wants one.
Partners
Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association (L9WHA)
Lower 9th Ward Neighborhood Association (L9NA)
Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development (CSED)
Lower 9th Ward Economic Development District (L9EDD)
History of SOUL
Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) is a local nonprofit founded in 2016 with the goal of driving a resilient and environmentally equitable New Orleans through reforesting the city. Since its launch, SOUL has partnered with neighborhood organizations to plant 6,232 native, water-loving trees throughout Orleans Parish.
SOUL’s Planting Process
SOUL plants trees in clusters to serve as natural systems and green infrastructure. When SOUL partners with a neighborhood, residents do not have to apply to receive a tree. SOUL will plan for each property to receive a tree and obtain the necessary permits with the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways. Once the permit has been approved, SOUL will alert the property owner, with a mailed letter, that they have been slated to receive a tree. Additionally, a door hanger will be placed at the residence as a second notification for homeowners and a first notification for renters. Both documents contain the date tree will be planted and SOUL’s contact information. If a homeowner/renter does not wish to recieve a tree, they simply contact SOUL to decline or “opt-out” of the project. This high volume method of planting allows a neighborhood to experience the maximum benefits of a true tree canopy.
There is no cost to the homeowner/renter. SOUL will plant and water all trees in the right-of-way for one year until they get established.
Share Your Thoughts/Concerns About Trees In Your Neighborhood:
Click here to take a survey if you live, work or own property in the Lower 9th Ward. Let us know your thoughts about trees in your neighborhood. In order to proceed with a community tree planting, positive feedback is needed from the majority of respondents.
Outreach Events:
Meet SOUL staff and learn more about this potential project at the following events:
L9 Fest | 8.27.22, 12-4pm | 2500 Fats Domino Ave, NOLA 70117
L9WHA Meeting | 9.6.22, 5:30 -7:00pm | Fairview Church, 1801 Delery St, New Orleans, LA 70117
HCNA Meeting | 9.15.22, 6:30pm | Villa S.t Maurice, 500 St. Maurice Ave, NOLA 70117
Check Out SOUL Trees Already In Your Neighborhood!
In the Winter of 2022, SOUL along with over 130 volunteers planted 83 trees at the TEP Center and neighboring blocks. These are located mainly on Gordon and Alabo between Claiborne and St. Claude. Since 2019 SOUL has planted a total of 186 trees in the Lower 9th Ward. This map shows every tree planted by SOUL including those in the Lower 9th Ward.
SOUL Contact:
Emily Stieber | Program Coordinator | 504.273.4954 | estieber@soulnola.org
Community Contacts:
Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association | 504.943.6000 | info@l9wha.org
Jean Morris | Lower 9th Ward Economic Development District | lowerninenola@gmail.com